Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 13th, 2024–Dec 14th, 2024
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: East Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported this week, but avalanche activity is expected to increase as the snow piles up.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy snowfall will accumulate through Saturday.

The upper snowpack is likely a series of crusts with moist snow between. The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.

Snow depths at treeline vary across Vancouver Island from 230 cm near Mt. Washington to 130 cm near Mt Cain. This current storm forecasts the highest precipitation amounts between Cambell River and Port Alberni.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Heavy snowfall, 20 to 40 cm of snow. 60 to 100 km/h south-southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Saturday

Continued snow, 30 to 60 cm. 50 to 90 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy and unsettled. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Flurries, 15 cm. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Heavy snowfall accumulating with strong to extreme winds will build a widespread and reactive storm slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3